Babywearing: All you need to know
Babywearing: All you Need to Know
The truth is babywearing can give you an enriched experience as you navigate with your baby in tow. These techniques have been in place for thousands of years, and once you're with a suitable carrier, the entire experience becomes pretty fun and easy.
There are different options about wearing; some believe that wearing your baby may help increase their mood and health. As you read on, we shared some safety concerns and essential benefits of babywearing and features to look out for.
Benefits of Babywearing
Reduces Crying
One of the most daunting challenges faced by most nursing mothers is to cuddle their baby and perform other chores at home. The good news is, you can multitask around the home and still put an end to your baby's tears.
A study was conducted in 1986, the outcome of the research shows that babies who were cuddled tend to fuss and cry less. If you're a nursing mother seeking creative, effective, and safe ways to cuddle your baby, this technique will be a no-brainer!
Promotes health
Over the years, there has been a series of research on the benefits of skin-to-skin contact on parents and their babies. Wearing a baby in carriers that allow skin-to-skin contact will regulate the baby's temperature, breathing patterns, and heartbeat.
Assists with Breastfeeding
If you're a nursing mother, babywearing can promote breastfeeding. You can breastfeed your baby while in the carrier; this makes it pretty easy for nursing mothers to practice demand feeding or feed on the go.
Eases Everyday Life
This is yet another potential benefit why most nursing mothers prefer babywearing. With a baby carrier, you can multi-task hand-free. You can read a book, fold laundry or take a walk. The adventure here is endless!
Types of Baby Carriers
When it comes to making a preferred choice of a carrier, your decision can be influence by a couple of factors; these include:
- Body type
- Budget
- The age and size of your baby
Soft Wrap
This is typically made from Lycra, Spandex blend, or cotton. The soft wrap is also known as the stretchy wrap. It’s done by placing your baby inside a well-wrapped fabric. It is recommended for infants due to the nature of the fabric used.
Woven wrap
This style is similar to the soft wrap; however, the difference here isthe fabric used for the woven wrap is more structured and tougher and can be used to carry toddlers and larger babies comfortably.
Ring Sling
The ring sling is made from durable woven fabric; they are worn directly on the shoulder. One of the amazing features of the carrier is that it is easy to use, although the pressure on the shoulder can sometimes become discomforting, especially if your baby is on the big side.
Soft-structured Carrier
This comes in a simple and sturdy design; it has buckles, padding, and straps to give you an adjustable fit based on the size and age of the baby you're using it for. It is a perfect fit when used for infants and toddlers.
The soft structure can be worn directly on the front, while others are suitable for back and hip carriage. We don't recommend this carrier for infants.
Best Babywearing Coats
1.Ciara-Waterproof 3 in 1 Babywearing Coat
These Maternity Hoodies are specially designed for bumps and babies. It comes with a built-in stretch panel to give you a perfect fit for you and your baby; the inner fabric is soft and gentle to the skin and ideal for outdoor and indoor styling.
To use this on your baby, zip the extra panel to fit over your baby's carrier. The handy pockets attached to the sides and the drawstring hood give this Coat a unique and stylish fit. Throw this on a Tee and jeans or leggings to hit the road or go shopping with your baby.
Specification
- Babywearing and nursing functionality equipped
- Hip length
- Elasticized waist and sleeves
- Wind and rainproof
- Babywearing and nursing friendly
- Machine cold water wash
- Maternity size guide
2.Avelynne 3 in 1 Babywearing Coat
This three-in-one baby carrier coat comes with an adjustable panel. It can be worn over the front of a baby carrier, comfortable to shield against unfavorable weather. The best part is, you can adjust the panel and use the Coat as a casual jacket. The flexible design can serve seamlessly during pregnancy and nursing. They are cozy and warm in autumn, winter, and spring.
Design with long sleeves, hoods, and side pockets, all durable enough to give you and your baby enough protection from cold and wind. One of the edge-cutting advantages is, they are applicable for pregnancy, maternity, travel, hanging out with friends and families.
Specification
- Removable panel 3-in-1 technology
- Kangaroo pockets at the removable panel
- Machine cold water wash/ Hang Dry
- Shell: 100% Polyester
- Lining: 100% Polyester
- Maternity size guide
- Length 34" above the knee
- Water-Resistant
- Babywearing and nursing friendly
This is specifically fitted in line with the medium specification of most North American women. This will accommodate you and your baby generously and give you a fashionable, cool and cute appearance. All that is required is to put it on and slip your baby inside.
The large comfy Kangaroo cargo pockets can serve as an additional carriage; all designs are specially crafted to strengthen the bond between you and your baby.
- Specification
- Removable 3-in-1 maternity panel
- Kangaroo pockets on panel
- Cargo pockets
- Babywearing and nursing friendly
- Machine cold water wash
- Hang Dry
- Shell: 100% Cotton
- Lining: 65% Cotton/35% Polyester
How to Baby Wear
Babywearing depends on the type of carrier you’re using, the size, and the age. One of the best ways to go around this is to read all the instructions on the manufacturer's manual before using the carriage. Sometimes, it is ideal to contact a local babywearing group to learn what it takes to use a carrier safely.
Tips to Babywearing
For Newborns
- If the baby is healthy, has no medical concerns, and weighs around 8 -9 pounds, they can be worn on a carrier, although the type you’re going for can be a limiting factor.
- We recommend using a stretchy wrap; if you prefer using a soft structured carrier, use a newborn insert for best results.
- Ensure your baby's face as well expose
For Seeing the World
Once a baby becomes conscious of their environment, they try to face out and see the world. If this sounds like your baby, use a woven or stretchy wrap and a front carry hold to give them the best fit. You can use the soft structured carriers to go for those with a front carrier.
For little older
Toddlers and older babies can ride on their parent’s backs. First, you need to clip the carrier properly, place your baby directly on your hip, and ensure their legs are spread on each side of your abdomen.
Shift the carrier to your back and hold both straps closely, guiding the baby with your most dominant hand. Afterward, put the strap directly on your shoulders and make the necessary adjustment for comfort.
A Brief History on Baby Wearing
The history of babywearing is as old as human existence. During the hunter-gathering past of man, they were itinerant and always on the move to search for moving herds, food, and safer campgrounds.
Due to the vulnerability expressed by most children, the only way to bring them along was to babywear them along. The mothers carried them on their hips while fathers kept them on their shoulders.
When humans began to settle, at about 8000bc, they began to carry their children to the fields where they domesticate their cattle. Even in the current dispensation, baby carrying has not become outdated as there are still many cultures where it is trending to carry babies with different forms of fabric or carriage.
Conclusion
Babywearing was and is a trend for most mums. It presents you with a stylish and safe way to keep your baby close and gives you the unique benefit of freeing your hand during house chores.